Topical analgesic and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Topical analgesics, generally comprising calendula oil and cornmint oil, and methods of use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of patent application Ser. No.10/113,765, filed on Apr. 1, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to topical analgesics and more specifically totopical analgesics that are particularly useful for reducing pain andpain associated with menstrual cramps and methods of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Topically applied pharmaceuticals, including topical analgesics, are awell known means for administering medicines in a targeted manner byapplying the topical directly to the skin at or near the source of thepain or injury. Various formulations are available for a variety ofgeneral and specific uses. For example, Bockow, in U.S. Pat. No.5,650,157, discloses topically applied pharmaceutical compositionscomprising marine oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids used in connectionwith a wide variety of medicinal agents including anti-inflammatoryagents, analgesics, vasodilatory agents, anti-pruritic agents,anesthestics, counterirritants, astringents, and astringents, amongothers. Further, Taylor-McCord, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,318, disclosesnon-ionic therapeutic mixtures comprising aloe vera gel that is usefulfor treating burns, sores, skin abrasions and other superficial skinailments. However, there are no currently known topical analgesics thatare suitable for reducing pain associated with menstrual cramping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a topicalanalgesic that reduces underlying pain when applied directly to theskin.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a topical analgesicthat is particularly adapted to reduce pain associated withmenstruation, and more specifically to reduce menstrual cramping.

The analgesic and methods of the invention were developed as a result ofefforts to alleviate chronic pain via topical analgesics and morespecifically to develop a topical analgesic for temporary relief frommenstrual cramps. The analgesic obviates the need for individuals toingest systemic, unnecessary multi-symptom medication when theindividual is able to identify and topically target areas of bodily painassociated with menstrual cramping.

A preferred formulation of the topical analgesic of the inventiongenerally comprises: 90% calendula oil mixed with 45% of one or more ofalcohol, mineral oil glycerin and water; and 10% cornmint oil.

Another preferred formulation of the topical analgesic of the inventiongenerally comprises: an effective amount of each of the followingcomponents: cornmint oil; orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanishoil; corianda oil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphorwhite oil; calendula oil; mineral oil; and almond oil, wherein saideffective amounts are preferably about: 65-66% cornmint, 0.4-1.0% orangeoil; 4.0-5.0% pennyroyal oil; 6.0-7.0% rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4%corianda oil; 1.0-2.0% menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% alpha pinene; 0.7-1.5%beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% camphor white oil; 0.04-0.06% calendula oil;0.02-0.03% mineral oil; and 15.0-16.0% almond oil.

Yet another preferred formulation of the topical analgesic of theinvention generally comprises: an effective amount of each of thefollowing components: cornmint oil, orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemarySpanish oil; corianda oil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene;camphor white oil; calendula oil; and mineral oil, wherein saideffective amounts are preferably about: 80-81% cornmint oil, 0.4-1.0%orange oil; 4.0-5.0% pennyroyal oil; 6.0-7.0% rosemary Spanish oil;0.2-0.4% corianda oil; 1.0-2.0% menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% alpha pinene;0.7-1.5% beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% camphor white oil; 0.04-0.06% calendulaoil; and 0.02-0.03% mineral oil.

A preferred formulation of the composition of the invention that isparticularly suited to reduce pain associated with menstruation,comprising, 90% calendula oil mixed with 45% of one or more of alcohol,mineral oil, glycerin or water; and 10% cornmint oil.

Another preferred formulation of the composition of the invention thatis particularly suited to reduce pain associated with menstruation,comprising, an effective amount of each of the following components:cornmint oil; orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanish oil; coriandaoil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphor white oil;calendula oil; minieral oil; and almond oil, wherein said effectiveamounts are preferably about: 65-66% cornmint, 0.4-1.0% orange oil;4.0-5.0% pennyroyal oil; 6.0-7.0% rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4%corianda oil; 1.0-2.0% menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% alpha pinene; 0.7-1.5%beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% camphor white oil; 0.04-0.06% calendula oil;0.02-0.03% mineral oil; and 15.0-16.0% almond oil.

Yet another preferred formulation of the composition of the inventionthat is particularly suited to reduce pain associated with menstruation,comprising, an effective amount of each of the following components:cornmint oil, orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanish oil; coriandaoil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphor white oil;calendula oil; and mineral oil, wherein said effective amounts areabout: 80-81% cornmint oil, 0.4-1.0% orange oil; 4.0-5.0% pennyroyaloil; 6.0-7.0% rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4% corianda oil; 1.0-2.0%menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% alpha pinene; 0.7-1.5% beta pinene; 5.0-6.0%camphor white oil; 0.04-0.06% calendula oil; and 0.02-0.03% mineral oil.

Yet another preferred formulation of the composition that isparticularly suited to reduce pain associated with menstruation,comprising, an effective amount of each of the following components:cornmint oil, orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanish oil; coriandaoil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphor white oil; andcalendula oil, wherein said effective amounts are preferably about:80-81% cornmint oil, 0.4-1.0% orange oil; 4.0-5.0% pennyroyal oil;6.0-7.0% rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4% corianda oil; 1.0-2.0% menthylacetate; 1.0-2.0% alpha pinene; 0.7-1.5% beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% camphorwhite oil; and 0.04-0.06% calendula oil.

A preferred method of the invention for reducing pain associated withmenstruation, comprising the steps of: providing a topical analgesiccomprising, an effective amount of calendula oil and an effective amountof cornmint oil applying at least one coat of said analgesic directly onskin over one or more areas of pain, wherein said step of applyingpreferably comprises applying at least 3-4 coats directly on said skinover one or more of said areas of pain; and keeping said areas of painwarm for an effective amount of time. The topical analgesic used in themethod may further comprise, an effective amount of components selectedfrom a group consisting of: orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanishoil; corianda oil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphorwhite oil; calendula oil; mineral oil; and almond oil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND METHODS

The topical analgesic of the invention is intended for use as a generaltopical analgesic, but is especially suited for reducing pain anddiscomfort associated with menstruation and menstrual cramping. Theanalgesic and methods of the invention were developed to alleviatechronic pain via topical analgesics and more specifically to providetemporary relief from menstrual cramps. The analgesic is topicallyapplied to enable the individual to identify and target the analgesic toareas where pain exists. As such, individuals do not need to takeunwanted and unnecessary multi-symptom oral medications simply toalleviate menstrual cramping. This is particularly important in view ofthe numerous, undesirable side effects associated with orallyadministered painkillers. As an added benefit, the analgesic of theinvention comprises all naturally existing components.

There are several preferred formulations described herein but each ofthe formulations comprise calendula oil and cornmint oil in varyingconcentrations. The calendula oil is of particular active significanceto the formulation. Calendula oil has long been recognized as havingpossible homeopathic uses such as facilitating skin abrasions and burnsand as an anti-inflammatory agent, antiseptic, astringent, cholagogueand emmenagogue. However, we have discovered in our efforts to developthe topical analgesic of the invention containing calendula oil has anaffirmative effect on nerve axions. Specifically, solutions of theanalgesic cause nerve cell axions to retreat. When the analgesic wasremoved, the axional shape was restored.

Described below are several preferred formulations of the invention.

Formulation 1

-   -   90% calendula oil mixed with 45% of alcohol, mineral oil,        glycerin and/or oil; and    -   10% cornmint oil.        Formulation 2

An effective amount of each of the following: cornmint oil; orange oil;pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanish oil; corianda oil; menthyl acetate;alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphor white oil; calendula oil; mineraloil; and almond oil, wherein said effective amounts are preferablyabout:

-   -   65-66% cornmint,    -   0.4-1.0% orange oil;    -   4.0-5.0% pennyroyal oil;    -   6.0-7.0% rosemary Spanish oil;    -   0.2-0.4% corianda oil;    -   1.0-2.0% menthyl acetate;    -   1.0-2.0% alpha pinene;    -   0.7-1.5% beta pinene;    -   5.0-6.0% camphor white oil;    -   0.04-0.06% calendula oil;    -   0.02-0.03% mineral oil; and    -   15.0-16.0% almond oil.        Formulation 3

An effect amount of each of the following components: cornmint oil,orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanish oil; corianda oil; menthylacetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphor white oil; calendula oil;and mineral oil, wherein said effective amounts are preferably about:

-   -   80-81% cornmint oil,    -   0.4-1.0% orange oil;    -   4.0-5.0% pennyroyal oil;    -   6.0-7.0% rosemary Spanish oil;    -   0.2-0.4% corianda oil;    -   1.0-2.0% menthyl acetate;    -   1.0-2.0% alpha pinene;    -   0.7-1.5% beta pinene;    -   5.0-6.0% camphor white oil;    -   0.04-0.06% calendula oil; and    -   0.02-0.03% mineral oil.

The preferred method of the invention for reducing pain, particularlypain associated with menstruation, comprising the steps of: providingone or more of the topical analgesics of any of the formulationsdescribed herein, comprising, an effective amount of calendula oil andan effective amount of cornmint oil; and applying at least one coat ofthe analgesic directly on skin over one or more areas of pain, whereinsaid step of applying preferably comprises applying at least 3-4 coatsdirectly on said skin over one or more of said areas of pain; andkeeping said areas of pain warm for an effective amount of time.

The analgesic is best applied using an applicator bottle that enablesthe user to dispense small amounts of the analgesic to targeted areas ofthe skin. For example, the applicator may comprise a roller ball or anabsorbent foam stopper. At the first sign of discomfort or pain, theanalgesic is applied directly to the skin over the area of discomfort orpain by rubbing the applicator tip against the skin. The analgesic maybe gently massaged into the skin. Three to four coats are preferable,although the effective amount may be varied as needed or desired. Thearea of application should generally be about as large as the user'shand and will remain moist on the skin for a few minutes afterapplication. Relief is typically obtained in less than ten to fifteenminutes after application. Additional application may be necessary toachieve the desired comfort level.

Although specific features of the invention are described in connectionwith some of the formulations and methods and not others, this is forconvenience only as some feature may be combined with any or all of theother features in accordance with the invention.

Other formulations and methods will occur to those skilled in the artand are within the following claims:

1. A topical analgesic, comprising, an effective amount of each of thefollowing components: cornmint oil; orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemarySpanish oil; corianda oil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene;camphor white oil; calendula oil; mineral oil; and almond oil.
 2. Thetopical analgesic of claim 1, wherein said effective amounts are about:65-66% by weight cornmint, 0.4-1.0% by weight orange oil; 4.0-5.0% byweight pennyroyal oil; 6.0-7.0% by weight rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4%by weight corianda oil; 1.0-2.0% by weight menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% byweight alpha pinene; 0.7-1.5% by weight beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% by weightcamphor white oil; 0.04-0.06% by weight calendula oil; 0.02-0.03% byweight mineral oil; and 15.0-16.0% by weight almond oil.
 3. A topicalanalgesic comprising, an effective amount of each of the followingcomponents: cornmint oil, orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanishoil; corianda oil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphorwhite oil; calendula oil; and mineral oil.
 4. The topical analgesic ofclaim 3, wherein said effective amounts are about: 80-81% by weightcornmint oil, 0.4-1.0% by weight orange oil; 4.0-5.0% by weightpennyroyal oil; 6.0-7.0% by weight rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4% byweight corianda oil; 1.0-2.0% by weight menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% byweight alpha pinene; 0.7-1.5% by weight beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% by weightcamphor white oil; 0.04-0.06% by weight calendula oil; and 0.02-0.03% byweight mineral oil.
 5. A composition adapted to reduce pain associatedwith menstruation, comprising, an effective amount of each of thefollowing components: cornmint oil; orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemarySpanish oil; corianda oil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene;camphor white oil; calendula oil; mineral oil; and almond oil.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 5, wherein said effective amounts are about: 65-66%by weight cornmint, 0.4-1.0% by weight orange oil; 4.0-5.0% by weightpennyroyal oil; 6.0-7.0% by weight rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4% byweight corianda oil; 1.0-2.0% by weight menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% byweight alpha pinene; 0.7-1.5% by weight beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% by weightcamphor white oil; 0.04-0.06% by weight calendula oil; 0.02-0.03% byweight mineral oil; and 15.0-16.0% by weight almond oil.
 7. Acomposition adapted to reduce pain associated with menstruation,comprising, an effective amount of each of the following components:cornmint oil, orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanish oil; coriandaoil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphor white oil;calendula oil; and mineral oil.
 8. The composition of claim 7, whereinsaid effective amounts are about: 80-81% by weight cornmint oil,0.4-1.0% by weight orange oil; 4.0-5.0% by weight pennyroyal oil;6.0-7.0% by weight rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4% by weight coriandaoil; 1.0-2.0% by weight menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% by weight alphapinene; 0.7-1.5% by weight beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% by weight camphor whiteoil; 0.04-0.06% by weight calendula oil; and 0.02-0.03% by weightmineral oil.
 9. A composition adapted to reduce pain associated withmenstruation, comprising, an effective amount of each of the followingcomponents: cornmint oil, orange oil; pennyroyal oil; rosemary Spanishoil; corianda oil; menthyl acetate; alpha pinene; beta pinene; camphorwhite oil; and calendula oil.
 10. The composition of claim 9, whereinsaid effective amounts are about: 80-81% by weight cornmint oil,0.4-1.0% by weight orange oil; 4.0-5.0% by weight pennyroyal oil;6.0-7.0% by weight rosemary Spanish oil; 0.2-0.4% by weight coriandaoil; 1.0-2.0% by weight menthyl acetate; 1.0-2.0% by weight alphapinene; 0.7-1.5% by weight beta pinene; 5.0-6.0% by weight camphor whiteoil; and 0.04-0.06% by weight calendula oil.